Buckle up, this season preview has everything you need.
Michael Carrick maintains Manchester United can achieve something really special this campaign, and the Manchester Evening News will cover every moment.
Could a Premier League title tilt actually happen? Might the Old Trafford trophy room see new additions? Which players warrant attention? And which outlandish 2026/27 season forecast from our writers could actually come true?
Here are the forecasts for the upcoming season (feel free to revisit these in a few weeks when they look rather foolish):
Where will United finish in the Premier League?
Tyrone Marshall: The Premier League appears wide open this term and Marshall finds predicting the top six challenging. Manchester City are clearly active in the transfer market but the transformation there is significant and introduces uncertainty. Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all strengthen with new managers, while Arsenal must prove they can maintain their standards. United possess stability, their pre-season has been solid, and a highly successful campaign cannot be dismissed. However, the Champions League presents fresh challenges. Marshall predicts fourth, with the caveat that they’ll remain closer to the summit than last season because the campaign promises to be intensely contested.
Steven Railston: Fourth place seems about right. Last term proved intriguing as Liverpool fell away dramatically after their title triumph, Chelsea struggled considerably, and Tottenham performed even more poorly. Each of those sides should be more competitive now, and Aston Villa merit recognition given Unai Emery’s leadership, meaning United will encounter fiercer competition for Champions League qualification. Like most observers, Railston expects Arsenal and City to claim the top two positions again, and he anticipates someone may overtake United for third, but the race for European spots will undoubtedly be tight.
Ross Jackson: Despite considerable changes at City, Jackson still anticipates them securing a top-two finish alongside Arsenal, so United surpassing third seems unlikely. The expanded fixture list has been discussed extensively and rightly so, though Carrick isn’t unfamiliar with demanding schedules, albeit at a different level in the Championship. Jackson expects Chelsea to capitalise on their absence from European competition and enjoy a strong term, predicting them third with United fourth.
How far will United progress in the Champions League?
Tyrone Marshall: Reaching at least a couple of knockout matches feels necessary. It continues to puzzle Marshall that Bruno Fernandes has participated in just one knockout fixture in the Champions League with United across more than six years at the club. They’ll certainly advance from the league phase, with a top-eight finish being the objective. Premier League clubs managed this last term and Marshall believes United can match it. With a favourable last-16 draw, Marshall predicts a quarter-final appearance.
Steven Railston: Exiting the Champions League group stage has become virtually impossible following the format change to a league system. Something would have gone seriously wrong if United fail to reach the knockout rounds. From there, they’ll be dependent on the draw, but their quality should suffice for the Round of 16, though Railston harbours doubts about progressing beyond that.
Ross Jackson: Securing a top-eight league phase finish remains achievable, though it would represent an impressive achievement from a club absent from the knockout rounds since 2022. A playoff spot seems more probable, with United advancing to the knockout stages. Jackson struggles to envision them progressing beyond the last 16.
Will United claim silverware in the 2026/27 season?
Tyrone Marshall: Pre-season has already yielded the Snapdragon Cup and Boyle Sports Cup victories. Regardless, Marshall remains uncertain about further success, though that shouldn’t reflect poorly on Carrick. Domestic cup outcomes genuinely depend on draw luck, and Marshall feels United’s demanding schedule may eventually take its toll. They’ll push hard in at least one cup competition, but no additional trophies will materialise.
Steven Railston: Reaching both domestic cup finals must be the objective after exiting each at the first attempt last season. Railston understands that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure is viewed ambivalently due to trophy drought, so he anticipates strong selections in early cup rounds. With that approach, Railston can envision United reaching the League Cup final, typically the more winnable competition, with everything decided in 90 minutes at Wembley. They possess the capability to clinch it.
Ross Jackson: Having already eliminated the Premier League and Champions League from contention, regarding domestic cups, Carrick fully comprehends United’s need to continue collecting honours. However, significant Champions League progress has eluded United for some time, and with top-four or five finishes crucial to his project at Old Trafford, substantial rotation in cup competitions seems likely, potentially leading to an early exit. Another season without silverware is Jackson’s prediction.
Which United player should supporters monitor in 2026/27?
Tyrone Marshall: Marshall is selecting Matheus Cunha. While all three forwards recruited in 2025 enjoyed solid debut campaigns, United’s title ambitions require each to elevate their performance. Cunha appears capable of that step. He delivered at the World Cup and as a Brazilian number ten strikes Marshall as someone who rises to big occasions. Those Champions League evenings could suit him perfectly.
Steven Railston: Shea Lacey provides the right answer according to Railston. Lacey demonstrated quality in several senior appearances last term, and pre-season has suggested he’s reaching peak form. The young player operates on the right flank and in attacking midfield roles. Buzz about Lacey has existed in youth circles since childhood, and increased senior involvement could introduce him to wider audiences. Railston anticipates goals, assists, and entertainment whenever he features. He’s authentically talented.
Ross Jackson: This question typically highlights a youth player capable of breakthrough, yet Jackson is choosing Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international has appeared sharp in United’s warm-up matches and benefited from a complete pre-season under Carrick after missing the World Cup. He’s thrived as a centre-forward and seems set for substantial minutes through the middle next term. Another double-digit tally would constitute success, though expect him to elevate his game further in 2026/27.
Give us one United prediction for 2026/27 that might seem absurd but you genuinely believe could occur…
Tyrone Marshall: United will remain contenders for the title throughout. Victory seems uncertain, though not impossible, but a strong start appears likely. The fixture list proves favourable, pre-season preparation has been methodical, and they should begin powerfully. Marshall genuinely expects them league leaders after the Everton away fixture on September 6, leading to months of discussion about a potential championship push.
Steven Railston: Amad will challenge for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award according to Railston. His previous season yielded just two goals and four assists, proving genuinely disappointing. Some have dismissed him, but Railston anticipates Amad recapturing his best form and reminding everyone of his abilities. His World Cup performance for Ivory Coast was exceptional, and returning to Carrington should have boosted his confidence considerably. With renewed belief, he can rediscover his quality and compete for the club’s individual honour.
Ross Jackson: This prediction straddles Liverpool and United: United will finish at minimum 20 points ahead of Liverpool this season. For reference, United haven’t enjoyed such a margin over their rivals since their last title in 2013. As previously noted, United won’t claim the championship, but they’ll remain in discussions for some time, and those supporting the red side of Merseyside should feel concerned about their team’s trajectory. Liverpool will endure a poor campaign and the gap between them and United will widen to levels unseen for many years.
All predictions were offered before United began their Premier League season with the transfer window still having two weeks remaining